Mount Polley Mine Tailing Dam Breach

Incident Description

Loss of about 17 million cubic meters of water and 8 million cubic meters of tailings/materials

Source

Tailings dam failure.

Time/Date of Incident

1:00 AM / August 4, 2014

Summary

A tailings dam failure at the Mount Polley Mine occurred on August 4, 2014 resulting in the loss of about 17 million cubic meters of water and 8 million cubic meters of tailings/materials into Polley Lake, Hazeltine Creek and Quesnel Lake having significant impact. An emergency response was undertaken by the Province involving various agencies throughout August and into September of 2014. A Pollution Abatement Order under the Environmental Management Act was issued on August 5, 2014 and amended on May 27, 2015 to abate the discharge, undertake an environmental impact assessment of the breach and implement remediation activities.

A Letter of Understanding between the Province and Soda Creek Indian Band and Williams Lake Indian Band outlines a collaborative approach to jointly address all aspects of the tailings breach. The Ministry of Environment led the response for the environmental monitoring, impact assessment, mitigation, and remediation of the area impacted as a result of the Mount Polley Mine tailings breach. This work was undertaken with First Nations, local governments, provincial and federal agencies, and public representatives.

Permanent link to page:

Help us improve gov.bc.ca

*Don't provide personal information . Comments will be sent to 'servicebc@gov.bc.ca'

Enter your email address if you would like a reply:

The information on this form is collected under the authority of Sections 26(c) and 27(1)(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to help us assess and respond to your enquiry. Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Manager of Corporate Web, Government Digital Experience Division.